Queensland has received an estimated economic boost of $100 million in visitor expenditure, thanks to Scoot’s launch of direct flights between Singapore and the Gold Coast just over a year ago.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games said the new service had paved the way for more international travellers to visit Queensland and was a show of confidence in the industry.

“Close to 49,000 international visitors have so far taken advantage of Scoot’s services to experience Queensland’s famous for fun holiday destination,” said Minister Stuckey.

“Nearly three quarters of all international visitors on Scoot’s Gold Coast flights were Singaporeans who took the opportunity to make the most of the new five-times-weekly low-cost service to the Gold Coast since June 2012.

“Singapore is an important international gateway for Queensland with Scoot also helping to connect visitors from across Asia, the UK and USA to the Gold Coast.”

Ms Stuckey said increasing aviation access was paramount to the strength of Queensland’s tourism industry.

“The Government is committed to growing annual overnight visitor expenditure to $30 billion by 2020 and international services such as this will help to achieve that goal,” she said.

“Building on this momentum, Tourism and Events Queensland will continue to work in partnership with Gold Coast Tourism, Gold Coast Airport and Scoot to leverage the direct services, with marketing campaigns currently, promoting Queensland as a premier holiday destination in Singapore.”

Campbell Wilson, CEO of Scoot said, “We’ve been delighted with the demand for our Singapore-Gold Coast flights since launching in June 2012, and it’s clear that our great value fares and unique blend of simplicity and fun – our Scootitude – have been a hit with inbound and outbound travellers alike.”

“We’re also delighted to be increasing frequency from five to six times per week over the coming Summer peak season (2 December 2013 – 12 January 2014 and 20 January – 9 February 2014) so that even more people can experience Scootitude and the fun Queensland is famous for.”